Curation as Engagement: Boulder Exhibits at the Origins Centre, South Africa

This paper is a reflection on curation as engagement that encourages a rethinking of how objects are displayed in museums, using the example of the engraving and boulder displays at the Origins Centre museum. Reflecting on the colonial legacy of museums, the paper examines the provenance, curation and display of the boulders with/without rock art at the Origins Centre and whether these colonial approaches impact object value and authenticity, and authenticity and experience. The paper concludes that there is need to decolonise museum curation through a virtual outside—where visitors experience museums virtually and intangible aspects may be integrated using technology.